Former Black Sabbath and Dio frontman Ronnie James Dio has died after a short battle with stomach cancer.
The singer, who was diagnosed with the illness in November last year, passed away on Sunday morning (16/5). His wife and manager, Wendy Dio, broke the news via a statement on his official site which said: “Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”
Born in Portsmouth in July 1942, Ronnie shot to fame in 1979 when he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath after leaving his previous band Rainbow. After leaving Black Sabbath in 1982, he enjoyed continued success with his group Dio and was inducted into the Rock Walk of Fame at Guitar Center on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard on January 17th, 2007.
Rest in peace Ronnie.